Gertie the Goose’s unexpected adventure serves as a poignant reminder of the growing concern surrounding cannabis risks for pets. As cannabis becomes more accessible worldwide, incidents like Gertie’s highlight the importance of pet safety and awareness. This feathered protagonist’s tale, shared in Pet Poison Helpline’s latest “Toxin Tails,” underscores the potential dangers pets face when exposed to substances they shouldn’t ingest. Whether it’s a curious dog, a mischievous cat, or even a goose like Gertie, the risks are real and demand vigilance from pet owners everywhere.

The Pet Poison Helpline, which manages thousands of cases annually related to various toxins, shared Gertie’s unique experience. With the rising popularity of cannabis due to legislative changes, accidental marijuana ingestion in pets is becoming increasingly common. But Gertie’s case was one for the books.

A Goose with a Can-Do Appetite

When Gertie’s owner accidentally dropped a marijuana joint on the floor, the inquisitive goose was quick to snap it up. The alarmed pet parent immediately contacted the Pet Poison Helpline for guidance. Fortunately, swift action ensured Gertie received timely treatment and made a full recovery.

Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Poison Helpline, shared the details of this extraordinary call. “Although dogs are far more likely to experience accidental marijuana exposure based on our data, Gertie’s case certainly gave us goose bumps,” she quipped.

Cannabis and Pets

Before detailing Gertie’s treatment, it’s important to understand how cannabis exposure affects animals. Pets like dogs, cats, and even birds are highly sensitive to cannabis. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects, can have severe impacts on animal health.

Symptoms of marijuana exposure in pets can vary depending on factors like the amount consumed and method of exposure (e.g., inhalation, ingestion). Common signs include:

• Neurological impacts: Dazed expressions, incoordination, lethargy, and delayed responses.
• Digestive symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, and appetite changes.
• Cardiovascular issues: Fluctuating heart rates.

Given that cannabis products now contain significantly higher THC levels compared to years past, as Schmid warns, the consequences of accidental exposure can be increasingly severe.

Treating Gertie’s Case

When Gertie was taken to a local veterinary hospital, her treatment involved a procedure known as crop lavage. What exactly does this mean? Birds, unlike mammals, have something called a crop, a pouch-like organ in their esophagus where food is temporarily stored. Lavaging the crop with saline helped remove the toxic substance before it could fully absorb into Gertie’s system.

Although data on cannabis ingestion in geese is limited, Schmid noted that veterinarians relied on information from similar avian cases to make informed recommendations. Thankfully, Gertie recovered from her ordeal, but her tale underscores the very real risks cannabis poses to animals.

A Growing Issue for Pets

Gertie’s story isn’t an isolated incident. Pet Poison Helpline reports a staggering 430% increase in marijuana-related calls from 2019 to 2023. Cannabis even made its debut on the Helpline’s annual “Top 10 List of Poisons” in 2021, originally landing at number 8. By 2024, it had climbed to number 6, reflecting the growing frequency of these cases.

Whether it’s a dog eating cannabis-laced brownies from a neighbour’s yard or a cat stumbling upon discarded cannabis products at a park, such scenarios are becoming alarmingly common. With recreational and medical cannabis now legal in all but four states in the US, the potential for pets to encounter THC inadvertently is higher than ever.

Preventative Measures for Pet Owners

While Gertie’s story has a happy ending, not every case of accidental exposure does. Pet owners can take several steps to prevent similar incidents:

• Store products out of reach: Keep marijuana and related edibles securely stored, just like any other potential toxin.
• Educate visitors: Politely inform friends and family members to exercise caution with their belongings if they carry cannabis.
• Be mindful outdoors: When walking pets in parks or public areas, remain vigilant for dropped cannabis products or unattended edibles.

Dr. Schmid urges pet parents to recognise the risks for animals, even if they do not use marijuana themselves. Awareness and proactive measures are crucial to safeguarding pets.

A Final Word on Awareness

Each month, the Pet Poison Helpline’s “Toxin Tails” series highlights real-world poisoning cases to educate veterinary professionals and pet owners alike. These stories aim to raise awareness of common household hazards and offer actionable advice to prevent accidents. For those navigating the modern cannabis landscape, Gertie the Goose is a cautionary (yet endearing) reminder of the cannabis risks for pets and the importance of staying vigilant.

By keeping cannabis products out of the reach of pets, pet owners can minimise risks and ensure their furry or feathered companions remain safe and healthy.

Source: dvm 360